Once used as iron works, shipbuilding and as a coal wharf, we’ve gradually redeveloped to provide tranquility in an urban landscape.
The site is a bloom of flowers and buzzing insects during the summer months. Interconnecting ponds teem with life such as newts and Water Scorpion. The surrounding tidal river attracts flocks of waders such as Redshank when the mud is exposed at low tide.
The site boasts an outdoor classroom that can be used by school and youth groups throughout the year. The site holds a prestigious Green Flag Award.
Bow Creek Ecology Park
Bow Creek has been awarded the Green Flag Award for the Fourth year running; this is a national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales. The award scheme began in 1996 as a means of recognising and rewarding the best green spaces in the country. In addition to Bow Creek Ecology Park, other Lee Valley Park sites awarded the Green Flag were: Walthamstow Marshes, Waterworks Nature Reserve, Gunpowder Park, Waltham Abbey Gardens, Myddleton House Gardens, Tottenham Marshes and Rye House Gatehouse. The Lee Valley Regional Park aims to have all its sites accredited.
The Park would like to thank: 2012 Changing Places, Outward and volunteers from across London and our regular mid-week volunteers for all their help in maintaining this high standard. We would also like to thank those who participated in the first East India Dock and Bow Creek User Forum meeting; we value your input.
In January
SITE UPDATE
The second warmest Christmas on record has encouraged buds to come early and spring bulbs to show their heads.
There were over 300 Teal counted in East India Dock Basin during December and 5 Common Sandpipers around Bow Creek Ecology Park. This makes both Bow Creek and East India Dock significant roost and feeding sites for these two birds in east London. The King Fisher has also been seen many times in the last month. Look out for this secretive bird particularly standing on the metal ladders around the dock walls at EIDB.
A brief update for Reubens Bridge at Bow Creek; the contractors are presently quoting for the works to the extension path and fencing. The works should commence early in the New Year, making Bow Creek a circular access route.
The Heritage Conservation Management Plan for East India Dock Basin was presented to residents and interest groups on Wednesday 7th December 2011 at the EIDB & BC User Forum. The feedback from the plan was very positive and residents were encouraged that plans are being undertaken. Residents were keen to see which steps LVRPA would take next to execute the plan.
Contractors have been at East India Dock Basin clearing some of the pits and working mechanisms under the grills on the dock front. Although difficult work as you can see some of the mechanisms are in not bad order. The plan is to expose these pieces of historic heritage, for all to see and appreciate.
The tree planting session 7th February will be at Bow Creek Ecology Park. All are welcome. LVRPA will be teaming up with Thames 21 to plant the hedge running along the DLR. If you are interested in this event or any events please contact the Ranger base on the contact below.
USER FORUM MEETING
The next User Forum meeting will be held in early April. Date & Times TBC
The Rotunda Virginia Quay, Jamestown Way, Tower Hamlets, E14
Contact: Andrew Vaughan on 0208 988 7565 for information or copies of the minutes.
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES & EVENTS
Volunteer in the Park on:
• 7th February 2012, Bow Creek Ecology Park - Hedge Planting Volunteer Day - 10am – 3pm
If you would like to volunteer in the Lee Valley Park, please contact our Volunteers Officer, Karen Wood, on 01992 709867